At least 63 dead, more than 600 reported missing in Northern California due to wildfire

The wildfire has devastated Paradise, Calif. and resulted in over 600 people missing in Northern California. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

At least 63 people have died and more than 600 people are missing in Northern California as a result of the catastrophic Camp Fire that continues to roar through the region.

The fire — which is located about 170 miles northeast of San Francisco — has burned 142,000 acres and is 45% contained, officials said Friday.

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The whereabouts of 631 people remained unknown in the latest count, a number that has continued to fluctuate in recent days.

“There are a lot of people displaced, and we’re finding that a lot of people don’t know that we’re looking for them,” Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said at a press conference Thursday, noting that people can check to see if they’re listed among those missing on the Butte County Sheriff’s website.

Some displaced residents are staying in a Walmart parking lot — but their makeshift camp is slated to close Sunday.

“We’re grateful. We’re better off than some. I’ve been holding it together for her,” William Goodnight said, gesturing toward his wife Anna. “I’m just breaking down finally.”

Other needy residents visited an assistance center at a former Sears department store in a Chico mall.

The Camp Fire, which began on Nov. 8, isn’t expected to be fully contained until the end of the month. Multiple towns, including Paradise, have sustained tremendous damage.

It’s the deadliest wildfire in the history of the state.

The updated total of missing people was up from 297 on Wednesday. More than 9,000 residences have been destroyed by the blaze.

Southern California, too, has endured considerable destruction this month as the Woolsey and Hill fires engulfed the area.

A total of 66 people statewide have lost their lives as a result of the recent fires.

The wildfires have resulted in hundreds of flight delays at the San Francisco International Airport due to smoke and low visibility.